Tracing Local History

Explored the path of the old interurban railway line that once ran between Hiram and Garrettsville this morning. Wanted to locate and photograph the remains of a stone bridge abutment before they were concealed by the overgrowth of summer. The line was built around the turn of the century and ran from Chagrin Falls all the way to Garrettsville. The line was in operation for a relatively short time and the last train on the stretch into Garrettsville ran in 1914. Today the tracks are long gone, but you can still follow much of the original grade. There were three bridges over Silver Creek. They too are long gone, however the stone abutment remain. The largest of them is shown here. Plans are underway to build a hiking trail over the old grade.